The unwanted speculation will alarm Bluebirds fans, for whom Mackay has become a huge favourite following his brilliant work in taking City into the top flight.

Asked specifically about behind the scenes rumours claiming Mackay had been asked to go, City chief executive Lim declined to issue a denial.

“No comment.” was the only thing he would say on the matter.

On Tuesday night, Mackay was rated no more than a 33-1 shot to be the next Premier manager to go from his job. But that changed dramatically after it was revealed Mackay’s No2 Moody, the man responsible for Bluebirds transfers, had been replaced by unknown 23-year-old Alisher Apsalyamov, from Kazakhstan.

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